Comprehensive immigration plan would take tough steps on border

The U.S.-Mexico border fence, running from upper left to lower right in this 2004 aerial photograph, divides Nogales, Ariz., on the left and Nogales, Sonora, on the right. (Photo by Pamela L. Nagler/Courtesy U.S. Geological Survey)

WASHINGTON (AP) — A person familiar with proposed bipartisan immigration legislation being written in the Senate says the bill would require greatly expanded surveillance of the U.S. border with Mexico and greatly increased apprehensions of border crossers in high risk areas.

People here illegally could begin to get green cards only after a new southern border security plan is in place, employers have adopted mandatory electronic verification of their workers’ legal status and a new electronic exit system is operating at airports and seaports.

The person provided the information on condition of anonymity because the deliberations were private. Some of the information was first reported Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal.

The contours of the border security piece emerged as senators moved closer to unveiling the sweeping legislation within days.